Abducted/Script

Paralogue 18: Abducted

Opening

Elise: I’m SO excited to meet Forrest! Elise: It’s weird to think that I have a nephew. And that he’s all grown up! Elise: I haven’t seen Forrest since he was barely out of his crib. Elise: What’s he like now? He’s a troubadour, right? Elise: Think he wants to join us? The more the merrier! Leo: No. Leo: And, er, let’s cancel this trip. We can go to this Deeprealm some other day. Elise: What? Cancel the trip? But I’ve looked forward to seeing Forrest. Elise: And you haven’t visited him in forever. Don’t you miss your son? Leo: … Niles: Milord Leo? Urgent news. The town just ahead is being swarmed by brigands. Niles: They also say that a beautiful woman was caught in all the fracas. Niles: But she’s apparently a troubadour and is doing her best to treat the wounded. Leo: No, this can’t be… Elise: Uh-oh, what now? You’re as pale as a ghost. Leo: We need to get there, before… before… Leo: Let’s just get there… fast! ???: Well, that’s that. I must have healed a dozen villagers. ???: I’d better keep looking for more wounded. Those brigands – mindless beasts! Elise: Ah! that must be the troubadour we heard about. Elise: She’s as beautiful as they say. Don’t you agree, Leo? Leo: … Elise: Big Brother? What’s wrong? Forrest: Father! You’re here! Leo: … Elise: Hm? What do you mean...Father? You mistake us for someone else. I mean, unless — HA! Unless my brother here has been hiding a second child! Leo: Don't be crass, Elise. Forrest: Father? What does she mean? Has the cat got your tongue? Hmm. I'll introduce myself then. Delighted to make your acquaintance, Aunt Elise. I'm Forrest. Elise: What?! You're Leo's son? Forrest: Of course. The one and only. Elise: Oh, wow! You're...you're... You're better than I could have ever imagined! And your sense of style is...is... It's exquisite!

Leo: You… Leo: What are YOU doing outside of the Deeprealms? Forrest: I heard that this village is a fine place to shop for sewing supplies. Forrest: My village has an abominable selection. One cannot make fashion from burlap. Forrest: But soon as I arrived, brigands came crawling out of the woodwork. Forrest: Fortunate for the villagers here, I came just in time to heal their wounded. Leo: You’re a disgrace. Forrest: Oh? Excuse me? Since when is saving lives considered a disgrace? Leo: You know what I mean, Forrest. You! The way you dress. Leo: I’ve told you before… Forrest: But… never so cruelly! Why are you being so hateful? In front of Aunt Elise too! Elise: Leo! What’s wrong with you?! Embrace our lovely Forrest! Leo: No – and hold your tongue, Elise. This isn’t your business. Forrest: I’m sorry… Forrest: Sorry that I ever left my Deeprealm! I’ll go back where I’m appreciated. Leo: Well then, godspeed. Leo: But… hold on, Forrest! Watch where you’re–! You’re running straight for–!

Forrest: No! Get your paws off of me! Ruffian: Well hello, young miss! What’s a lady like you doing in this pigsty? Ruffian: Heh. How about I be a gentleman and put you somewhere nice and safe? Ruffian: Wouldn’t want a pretty thing like you to get hurt. Ruffian: Let’s get ‘er, boys. She’ll fetch a king’s ransom in gold. Forrest: And now THIS too?!

Elise: Stop! Forrest – we’re coming! Leo: … Elise: Leo! Stop being a jerk and help me save your son! Leo: … Elise: All right! Then I guess it’s up to the rest of us to rescue my nephew! Leo: …

After Battle

Forrest: What a shame, Father. To meet your brave friends – and now say farewell? Forrest: But I’ll make good on my promise to head back to my Deeprealm. Forrest: Don’t think for one moment that I’m leaving to spare your feelings. Forrest: You’re unworthy of me, Father. Forrest: I’ll miss Aunt Elise, of course. But I’m sure that SHE will visit me. Forrest: And so, farewell. Leo: Forrest… Boy: Please, wait! Forrest, is it? Boy: You may not remember – you saved me. Boy: As I lay dying, there you were! And then I was fine! Boy: I don’t have much. But please, take this. Just a small token of my appreciation. Forrest: Why, thank you! Forrest: This broach is beautiful. But I can’t take this. I was only doing my duty. Boy: Uh-huh! Yes you will! Boy: My whole family would have been dead without you. Boy: Wait right here. I’ll get them, and a lot of other people who want to thank you! Leo: … Leo: Nice trinket you got there. Leo: I mean… Er, I mean… Leo: Sorry, I can be a bit of a jerk, as Elise so bluntly puts it. Leo: That is… indeed a lovely keepsake the villager gave you. Leo: And you are the hero here. Leo: We… I merely blundered in late. Forrest: Oh? Well, Father, I know it must agonize you to say something nice to me. Forrest: I’ll take your words with me as a keepsake too. Leo: I’m sorry. I truly am. I must seem like a stone-hearted father to you. Leo: You’re right to say I’m not worthy. Leo: That Elise was able to see you as a person of sterling qualities… Leo: While I couldn’t? Leo: I’m, er, I’m a better person than this. So I like to think. Forrest: Father? An apology from you? Don’t bother. I really don’t need– Leo: Yes, I’m sure you don’t, Son. You’re far stronger than I ever could be. Leo: And I’m embarrassed to ask… Leo: But I wonder if you’d want to spend more time with your father? Leo: I don’t mean in the Deeprealms. I mean here, with me. Forrest: … Forrest: What a joy! I can get to know my Aunt Elise. Forrest: She and I will be fast friends. Forrest: I might even learn a thing or two about fashion from her. Or she from me. Elise: Yay! You’re actually going to come with us, Forrest? Forrest: Of course. I couldn’t say no to my Aunt Elise. Elise: Hm? Hold on. You have to stop that RIGHT now, Forrest. Elise: I’m not going anywhere with you if you keep on with this “Aunt” stuff. Forrest: Fair enough… Elise. Elise: Phew! I’m just NOT ready to grow up THAT much yet. Forrest: Well, you’re sure about this? I’m giving up a lot to join you, Father. Leo: Yes, absolutely. And I give you my solemn vow, Forrest… Leo: I’ll learn to be a father worthy of you.